scholarly journals Messenger RNAs with large numbers of upstream open reading frames are translated via leaky scanning and reinitiation in the asexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (10) ◽  
pp. 1100-1113
Author(s):  
Chhaminder Kaur ◽  
Mayank Kumar ◽  
Swati Patankar
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Messenger Rnas ◽  
Leaky Scanning ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Reading Frame ◽  
Genome Data ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Reading Frames

AbstractThe genome of Plasmodium falciparum has one of the most skewed base-pair compositions of any eukaryote, with an AT content of 80–90%. As start and stop codons are AT-rich, the probability of finding upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) is high and parasite mRNAs have an average of 11 uORFs in their leader sequences. Similar to other eukaryotes, uORFs repress the translation of the downstream open reading frame (dORF) in P. falciparum, yet the parasite translation machinery is able to bypass these uORFs and reach the dORF to initiate translation. This can happen by leaky scanning and/or reinitiation.In this report, we assessed leaky scanning and reinitiation by studying the effect of uORFs on the translation of a dORF, in this case, the luciferase reporter gene, and showed that both mechanisms are employed in the asexual blood stages of P. falciparum. Furthermore, in addition to the codon usage of the uORF, translation of the dORF is governed by the Kozak sequence and length of the uORF, and inter-cistronic distance between the uORF and dORF. Based on these features whole-genome data was analysed to uncover classes of genes that might be regulated by uORFs. This study indicates that leaky scanning and reinitiation appear to be widespread in asexual stages of P. falciparum, which may require modifications of existing factors that are involved in translation initiation in addition to novel, parasite-specific proteins.

scholarly journals Messenger RNAs with large numbers of upstream ORFs are translated via leaky scanning and reinitiation in the asexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chhaminder Kaur ◽  
Mayank Kumar ◽  
Swati Patankar
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Messenger Rnas ◽  
Leaky Scanning ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Genome Data ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Specific Proteins

AbstractThe genome of Plasmodium falciparum has one of the most skewed base pair compositions of any eukaryote, with an AT content of 80-90%. As start and stop codons are AT-rich, the probability of finding upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) is high and parasite mRNAs have an average of 10 uORFs in their leader sequences. Similar to other eukaryotes, uORFs repress the translation of the downstream gene (dORF) in P. falciparum, yet the parasite translation machinery is able to bypass these uORFs and reach the dORF to initiate translation. This can happen by leaky scanning and/or reinitiation.In this report, we assessed leaky scanning and reinitiation by studying the effect of uORFs on the translation of a dORF, in this case the luciferase reporter gene, and showed that both mechanisms are employed in the asexual blood stages of P. falciparum. Furthermore, in addition to codon usage of the uORF, translation of the dORF is governed by the Kozak sequence and length of the uORF, and inter-cistronic distance between the uORF and dORF. Based on these features whole genome data was analyzed to uncover classes of genes that might be regulated by uORFs. This study indicates that leaky scanning and reinitiation appear to be widespread in asexual stages of P. falciparum, which may require modifications of existing factors that are involved in translation initiation in addition to novel, parasite-specific proteins.

scholarly journals Engineering ribosomal leaky scanning and upstream open reading frames for precise control of protein translation

Bioengineered ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua P Ferreira ◽  
William L Noderer ◽  
Alexander J Diaz de Arce ◽  
Clifford L Wang
Keyword(s):  
Protein Translation ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Leaky Scanning ◽  
Precise Control ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Reading Frames

scholarly journals uORF-Tools – Workflow for the determination of translation-regulatory upstream open reading frames

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anica Scholz ◽  
Florian Eggenhofer ◽  
Rick Gelhausen ◽  
Björn Grüning ◽  
Kathi Zarnack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ribosome Profiling ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Annotation File ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Reading Frame ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
Reading Frames

AbstractRibosome profiling (ribo-seq) provides a means to analyze active translation by determining ribosome occupancy in a transcriptome-wide manner. The vast majority of ribosome protected fragments (RPFs) resides within the protein-coding sequence of mRNAs. However, commonly reads are also found within the transcript leader sequence (TLS) (aka 5’ untranslated region) preceding the main open reading frame (ORF), indicating the translation of regulatory upstream ORFs (uORFs). Here, we present a workflow for the identification of translation-regulatory uORFs. Specifically, uORF-Tools identifies uORFs within a given dataset and generates a uORF annotation file. In addition, a comprehensive human uORF annotation file, based on 35 ribo-seq files, is provided, which can serve as an alternative input file for the workflow. To assess the translation-regulatory activity of the uORFs, stimulus-induced changes in the ratio of the RPFs residing in the main ORFs relative to those found in the associated uORFs are determined. The resulting output file allows for the easy identification of candidate uORFs, which have translation-inhibitory effects on their associated main ORFs. uORF-Tools is available as a free and open Snakemake workflow at https://github.com/Biochemistry1-FFM/uORF-Tools. It is easily installed and all necessary tools are provided in a version-controlled manner, which also ensures lasting usability. uORF-Tools is designed for intuitive use and requires only limited computing times and resources.

scholarly journals Autonomous functionality of an upstream open reading frame in polycistronic mammalian mRNAs

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shohei Kitano ◽  
Gabriel Pratt ◽  
Keizo Takao ◽  
Yasunori Aizawa
Keyword(s):  
Brain Regions ◽  
Ribosome Profiling ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frame ◽  
Translation Regulation ◽  
Reading Frame ◽  
Eukaryotic Translation ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Human And Mouse ◽  
Reading Frames

SUMMARYUpstream open reading frames (uORFs) are established as cis-acting elements for eukaryotic translation of annotated ORFs (anORFs) located on the same mRNAs. Here, we identified a mammalian uORF with functions that are independent from anORF translation regulation. Bioinformatics screening using ribosome profiling data of human and mouse brains yielded 308 neurologically vital genes from which anORF and uORFs are polycistronically translated in both species. Among them, Arhgef9 contains a uORF named SPICA, which is highly conserved among vertebrates and stably translated only in specific brain regions of mice. Disruption of SPICA translation by ATG-to-TAG substitutions did not perturb translation or function of its anORF product, collybistin. SPICA-null mice displayed abnormal maternal reproductive performance and enhanced anxiety-like behavior, characteristic of ARHGEF9-associated neurological disorders. This study demonstrates that mammalian uORFs can be independent genetic units, revising the prevailing dogma of the monocistronic gene in mammals, and even eukaryotes.

scholarly journals Conserved Upstream Open Reading Frame Nascent Peptides That Control Translation

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 237-264
Author(s):  
Thomas E. Dever ◽  
Ivaylo P. Ivanov ◽  
Matthew S. Sachs
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frame ◽  
Messenger Rnas ◽  
Regulate Gene Expression ◽  
Reading Frame ◽  
Ribosome Stalling ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Control Translation

Cells utilize transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms to alter gene expression in response to environmental cues. Gene-specific controls, including changing the translation of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs), provide a rapid means to respond precisely to different conditions. Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are known to control the translation of mRNAs. Recent studies in bacteria and eukaryotes have revealed the functions of evolutionarily conserved uORF-encoded peptides. Some of these uORF-encoded nascent peptides enable responses to specific metabolites to modulate the translation of their mRNAs by stalling ribosomes and through ribosome stalling may also modulate the level of their mRNAs. In this review, we highlight several examples of conserved uORF nascent peptides that stall ribosomes to regulate gene expression in response to specific metabolites in bacteria, fungi, mammals, and plants.

scholarly journals Translation Initiation from Conserved Non-AUG Codons Provides Additional Layers of Regulation and Coding Capacity

mBio ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivaylo P. Ivanov ◽  
Jiajie Wei ◽  
Stephen Z. Caster ◽  
Kristina M. Smith ◽  
Audrey M. Michel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Neurospora Crassa ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Reading Frame ◽  
Coding Sequence ◽  
Cell Extracts ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Reading Frames

ABSTRACT Neurospora crassa cpc-1 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae GCN4 are homologs specifying transcription activators that drive the transcriptional response to amino acid limitation. The cpc-1 mRNA contains two upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in its >700-nucleotide (nt) 5′ leader, and its expression is controlled at the level of translation in response to amino acid starvation. We used N. crassa cell extracts and obtained data indicating that cpc-1 uORF1 and uORF2 are functionally analogous to GCN4 uORF1 and uORF4, respectively, in controlling translation. We also found that the 5′ region upstream of the main coding sequence of the cpc-1 mRNA extends for more than 700 nucleotides without any in-frame stop codon. For 100 cpc-1 homologs from Pezizomycotina and from selected Basidiomycota, 5′ conserved extensions of the CPC1 reading frame are also observed. Multiple non-AUG near-cognate codons (NCCs) in the CPC1 reading frame upstream of uORF2, some deeply conserved, could potentially initiate translation. At least four NCCs initiated translation in vitro . In vivo data were consistent with initiation at NCCs to produce N-terminally extended N. crassa CPC1 isoforms. The pivotal role played by CPC1, combined with its translational regulation by uORFs and NCC utilization, underscores the emerging significance of noncanonical initiation events in controlling gene expression. IMPORTANCE There is a deepening and widening appreciation of the diverse roles of translation in controlling gene expression. A central fungal transcription factor, the best-studied example of which is Saccharomyces cerevisiae GCN4, is crucial for the response to amino acid limitation. Two upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in the GCN4 mRNA are critical for controlling GCN4 synthesis. We observed that two uORFs in the corresponding Neurospora crassa cpc-1 mRNA appear functionally analogous to the GCN4 uORFs. We also discovered that, surprisingly, unlike GCN4, the CPC1 coding sequence extends far upstream from the presumed AUG start codon with no other in-frame AUG codons. Similar extensions were seen in homologs from many filamentous fungi. We observed that multiple non-AUG near-cognate codons (NCCs) in this extended reading frame, some conserved, initiated translation to produce longer forms of CPC1, underscoring the significance of noncanonical initiation in controlling gene expression.

scholarly journals Upstream Open Reading Frames (uORFs) in the Apicomplexan Parasites Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii: Small yet Powerful Regulators of Translation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chhaminder Kaur ◽  
Swati Patankar
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Translational Regulation ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Ribosome Profiling ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Apicomplexan Parasites ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Reading Frames

During their complex life cycles, the Apicomplexan parasites, Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii employ several genetic switches to regulate their gene expression. One such switch is mediated at the level of translation through upstream Open Reading Frames (uORFs). As uORFs are found in the upstream regions of a majority of genes in both the parasites, it is essential that their roles in translational regulation be appreciated to a greater extent. This review provides a comprehensive summary of studies that show uORF-mediated gene regulation in these parasites and highlights examples of clinically and physiologically relevant proteins that exhibit uORF-mediated regulation. In addition to these examples, several studies that use bioinformatics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and ribosome profiling also indicate the possibility of widespread translational regulation by uORFs. Further analysis of genome-wide datasets will reveal novel genes involved in key biological pathways such as cell-cycle progression, stress-response, and pathogenicity. The cumulative evidence from studies presented in this review suggests that uORFs will play crucial roles in regulating gene expression during clinical disease caused by these important human pathogens.

Involvement of upstream open reading frames in regulation of rat V1b vasopressin receptor expression

2001 ◽  
Vol 280 (5) ◽  
pp. E780-E787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi Nomura ◽  
Yasumasa Iwasaki ◽  
Masayuki Saito ◽  
Yoshiaki Aoki ◽  
Etsuko Yamamori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Receptor Gene ◽  
Suppressive Effect ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Vasopressin Receptor ◽  
Start Site ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Reading Frames

The V1b vasopressin receptor, expressed mainly in the corticotroph of the anterior pituitary, mediates the stimulatory effect of vasopressin on ACTH release. To clarify the regulation of receptor expression, we cloned, sequenced (up to ∼5 kb from the translation start site), and characterized the 5′-flanking region of the rat V1b receptor gene. We identified the transcription start site by amplification of cDNA ends and found a new intron within the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) by comparing the sequence with that of cDNA. We then confirmed that the obtained promoter indeed has transcriptional activity by use of the luciferase reporter in AtT-20 mouse corticotroph cells. Interestingly, there were five short upstream open reading frames (uORFs) located within the 5′-UTR that were found to suppress V1b expression. Subsequent mutational analyses showed that the two downstream uORFs have an inhibitory effect on expression in both homologous and heterologous contexts. Furthermore, the inhibition did not accompany a parallel decrease in mRNA, suggesting that the suppressive effect occurs at a level downstream of transcription. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that the expression of the V1b receptor is regulated at the posttranscriptional as well as transcriptional level through uORFs within the 5′-UTR region of the mRNA. Whether the uORF-mediated regulation of V1b expression is functionally linked to any intracellular and/or extracellular factor(s) awaits further research.

scholarly journals DAP5 enables translation re-initiation on structured messenger RNAs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramona Weber ◽  
Leon Kleemann ◽  
Insa Hirschberg ◽  
Min-Yi Chung ◽  
Eugene Valkov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Ribosome Profiling ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Translation Initiation Factor ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Messenger Rnas ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Reading Frames

SummaryHalf of mammalian transcripts contain short upstream open reading frames (uORFs) that potentially regulate translation of the downstream coding sequence (CDS). The molecular mechanisms governing these events remain poorly understood. Here we find that the non-canonical initiation factor Death-associated protein 5 (DAP5 or eIF4G2) is selectively required for re-initiation at the main CDS following uORF translation. Using ribosome profiling and luciferase-based reporters coupled with mutational analysis we show that DAP5-mediated re-initiation occurs on messenger RNAs (mRNAs) with long, structure-prone 5′ leader sequences and persistent uORF translation. These mRNAs preferentially code for signalling factors such as kinases and phosphatases. We also report that cap/eIF4F- and eIF4A-dependent recruitment of DAP5 to the mRNA facilitates re-initiation by unrecycled post-termination 40S subunits. Our study reveals important mechanistic insights into how a non-canonical translation initiation factor involved in stem cell fate shapes the synthesis of specific signalling factors.

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